Colts mourn Edwin Jackson as details of alleged suspect emerge

Family and teammates remember Indianapolis Colts LB Edwin Jackson’s big smile; the 26-year-old and a second man were killed by a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning. (AP)

While members of the Philadelphia Eagles continue to experience the greatest joy the NFL offers, members of the Indianapolis Colts are dealing with one of life’s greatest sadnesses: the loss of a teammate.

Early Sunday morning, 26-year-old Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, were killed on the side of Interstate 70 in Indianapolis as they were standing by a stopped vehicle. Police investigators believe Monroe had pulled off the highway because Jackson had become ill.

As news spread of Jackson’s death, stories began to come forward of the linebacker’s personality, from family and teammates alike.

“Edwin was an amazing young man that filed our lives with joy and pride,” his family said in a statement to 11alive.com. “He was kind, thoughtful, humble, passionate about football and loved his family. We ask that all who were blessed to have crossed his path remember him and his amazing smile.”

The Colts, who are in transition as it’s expected that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will officially accept the job as Indianapolis’ head coach on Monday, have been posting only tributes to Jackson on their Twitter, from newly retired coach Bruce Arians, who was the first to coach Jackson when he was signed to the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie in 2015, to current and former teammates.

It breaks my heart to hear the news about my brother & former teammate Edwin Jackson. He was always such a joy to be around, always smiling and always laughing. An absolutely incredible friend. RIP Ed, my thoughts & prayers are forever with you and your family pic.twitter.com/TpdE9GBuDE

Police have started to give more details on the man who struck Jackson and Monroe. According to Indiana State Police detectives, 37-year-old Manuel Orrego-Savala was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck when he hit Jackson and Monroe, and tried to flee the scene on foot.

Police said he is an undocumented immigrant who has been deported twice previously.

“Orrego-Savala is in the United States illegally and has previously been deported on two occasions, in 2007 and again in 2009,” Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine said in a statement. “State police investigators are working with U.S. Federal Immigration Officials and they have placed a hold on Orrego-Savala.”

Orrego-Savala gave police the wrong name initially. He is being held at Marion County jail.